Steam cushion forming

A forming process comprising:

• positioning a blank within a forming die, wherein:
• the blank does not include a lubricant applied thereto prior to being positioned in the forming die;
• the forming die includes a first half and a second half;
• the second half includes an exterior surface and a cavity;
• the cavity has a shape, an inside wall and defines an opening through the exterior surface to receive the first half;
• and
• the blank is positioned against the exterior surface and covers the opening;
• introducing water between the blank and the forming die through the inside wall of the cavity, wherein the water is introduced at:
• a first location on the inside wall adjacent the exterior surface;
• and
• a second location on the inside wall distant from the exterior surface;
• heating the water to form steam between the blank and the forming die;
• shaping the blank into the shape of the cavity within the second half of the forming die to form a part while the steam is disposed between the blank and the forming die, whereby the steam forms a cushion between the blank and the forming die to reduce friction therebetween;
• removing the formed part from the forming die;
• and
• drying the formed part after being removed from the forming die to eliminate any condensate remaining on the formed part from the steam, whereby no lubricant remains on the formed part.